Fork Union Drive‑In wins special‑use approval; board also agreed to advertise sign‑code waiver

The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors on July 2 approved a special‑use permit for the Fork Union Drive‑In to operate as an outdoor entertainment venue and separately authorized advertising a public hearing on a waiver to county sign requirements for the site.

The permit (SUP 25‑03) covers two parcels identified as tax map 51‑A‑61 and 51‑A‑62 in the B‑1 Commercial General District, subject to the conditions in the staff report. Applicants told the board they have raised community support and money: as of the meeting they reported roughly 1,366 petition signatures, more than $11,000 in donations and a small business loan to begin work.

Ron Understall, representing the property owners, said the project will be phased: construct ADA‑compliant restrooms and septic this summer, operate a handful of community events this fall, and target a full movie season opening in April 2026. “We hope to have some sort of celebration opening event series in September, October,” Understall said, and added the concession and screen work would continue into winter to meet spring opening.

County staff presented a separate request to advertise a public hearing on a waiver to county sign code section 20‑2‑15‑3. The applicant is proposing multiple freestanding and marquee signs for the drive‑in that exceed the county’s size, height and one‑sign‑per‑parcel limits; the board authorized advertising a hearing on Aug. 20 to consider the waiver.

Supervisor Thode disclosed a potential conflict, saying he is employed by Superior Signs, the contractor that may install the sign if a waiver is approved; he recorded the disclosure and disqualified himself from participating further in the sign matter as required by state ethics rules.

The technical review committee had noted traffic and water concerns but staff reported those comments have been addressed; the applicant plans to connect to the Fork Union Sanitary District and to construct new vehicle entrances per Virginia Department of Transportation requirements. Supporters urged the board to approve the project as an economic and cultural benefit for Fork Union; several residents recounted childhood memories of the drive‑in and described it as a community asset.

Actions taken at the meeting: the board voted to approve SUP 25‑03 and to advertise a sign‑waiver public hearing. The sign waiver advertisement is a separate procedural step and will be considered at public hearing before the board considers a final waiver decision.

Clarifying details: Proposed operating hours for core months (June–August) were stated as Wednesday–Saturday, approximately 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; off‑season months would be limited to selected weekend nights. The parcel numbers and the staff report conditions are on file with county planning. The sign waiver request cites county code section 20‑2‑15‑3 (sign size, height, and number‑per‑parcel limitations).

Provenance: Public presentations by staff, the applicants and public comment during the board’s July 2 meeting.